Come On Charlie Brown - Let's go to the carnival!

A look back to healthier weekends. Hubby just uploaded these from his phone for me.











For us, there is nothing like a carnival. The atmosphere, music, games, cotton candy, lights - you just feel happier and carefree, and YOUNG. Before kids, Hubby and I loved to go to them, even to just walk around and people or attraction watch. There is just something about them. There really are no words (yes, we are a cheesy family). Lovely has only seen them once, but loves watching the Charlie Br*wn special "Sno*py Come Home" with the funny carnival scene, so on this day - she had a blast. We could not believe she'd ride the kiddie rides herself!!! She really is a happy free spirit...it was fun to watch her contented face as she soared around on the kiddie rides. Oh to bottle that childhood wonder and uncork it as we need it! We spend so much time wanting to become adults, to then wishing to recapture the carefree feelings of childhood.

Hmmmm. I dare myself to grab a chance at just running in the yard this weekend embracing my inner child. Even if I don't feel 100%. I dare to laugh at something silly. I dare to find wonder in something. I dare to throw my cares to the wind and just be free. I dare to feel the Spirit. I dare to look for some adventure. I dare YOU too. Tell your inner child HI for me!!

Till next time....

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable. ~ Helen Keller

Day 15

Wow, this one hits a nerve this week, since I've had some "tiffs" with Hubby this week. Also, with not feeling well, the TV has been my kid entertainment this week, and the middle category? Well, I feel I've been feeling it, and being open to it plenty lately. Is it wrong to pray for a boost up instead?

Fast: Don’t argue today. As much as possible give up, give in, give way.

Pray: Ask God to show you how weak and small you are. Open your heart to see it.

Give: When you are tempted to put on kid TV today, pull out a stack of favorite picture books instead. Invite the kids to join you on the couch.

~www.faithandfamilylive.com

Hmmmm....tough day. Any tips on giving up, giving in, giving way to all of these areas today somehow?

Warm and prayerful thoughts!

Tired of coughing.

Ok, so this is the second night in a row I've been woken up, and unable to sleep because of my cough. Last night got worse cause of the baby waking up in between coughing fits, so I slept little.

I was told this was due to allergies. I was examined. I was told to take children's cough syrup, a certain nose spray, and certain pill every 12 hours because of nursing....but I feel its gotten worse at night.

I find myself googling coughs - which isn't a good thing because of what I find.

A friend gave me a natural treatment of honey. I'm going to try more tomorrow. I'm just really done with this. I don't remember coughing with an allergy before.

So until this "fit" that woke me up passes, I'll just stay here. Surfing the net. Any other tips to try??

Argh. Sigh. COUGH!!!!

Day 14

Fast: Every time a child interrupts you today, stop what you are doing and look into his eyes as he talks.

Pray: “My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me.” — John 10:27

Give: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” — Mother Teresa Speak kindly all day long.

Much Love!!!

~www.faithandfamilylive.com

"Small Successes Thursday" and Awards!

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we (this website) do exactly that.

To participate, just write up a list of 3 of your recent Small Successes and post it on your blog (you can use the above sticker, or not if you prefer - but come on, do a list and cheer yourself up!) If you don’t have a blog, you can share your Small Successes in the comments.

1. With the oldest child being sick with fever over a week (she was "well" over the weekend) and the baby getting sick the other night, little sleep for me, and a busy working Hubby - I have managed to not lose complete control over the downstairs. It still has some order!!!! Now, please don't come upstairs or use our bathrooms. Oh wait...we're only focusing on successes here....

2. I started my first "just for me" book this week, just for FUN!!!The book is called The Rule of Four and though I was warned the start of the book was boring and to just "get through the 1st few chapters and then it gets good" I have loved the start of it because of all the history (fictional for the most part) and academia. I'm such the nerd!!!!

3. I have a shower to attend on Saturday, and I have managed to start creating a homemade (for the most part) gift, as well as getting one errand run to get the materials needed for a totally homemade gift for another shower in a few weeks, despite the crazy times abounding in my home. SCORE!
Now, share your small successes either in the comments or on your blog!! Come on....you know you wanna!!!

Ok - I've taken many breaks to do real things in my house, haha. The below took a while!
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Now, one of the greatest gifts in my life had this crazy notion to award me a blog award! WHAT??? But you know, the name truly fits cause she truly is to me!! As for the description, she really is being too kind to me. I promise her she definitely inspires me with her creativity, spirit, home schooling talents (a HARD worker!!) and determination, and good grief her crafting skills - wonderful, so humble about it!!! And it comes with responsibility...I have to pass it on - to like 10 people!! So, without any further adieu, here is

THE

The rules of this award are as follows:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

Wow!! 10 Blogs? You know, I'm up for the challenge! God Bless these lovely ladies (and, haha guys):

Nino is just one cool chick! She takes pictures, she writes books, she's warm, creative, and wonderful (and I know this personally). She has to be one of the most positive people I know. You read and want her constant gratitude AND attitude!
Holly is truly a sister, and with attitude and gratitude. She doesn't hide her true self, her beliefs, and is always running with the grace she gets from those 'tude's. She's one of my homeschooling inspirations, marriage inspirations, and she's just real. Update that blog girlfriend!!!
Laura is adorable, crafty (see her business sticker Blueberry Daisy for her creations) and I LOVE her blog name!!! A great place to go for a smile and gratitude for all she has!
April is another wonderful person who has seen the world! Reading her journeys is amazing. She has a lovely family too and she is so sweet and generous!!! I wish my life was so interesting!
Suz was a fun blog discovery when I was pregnant. She is so funny, honest, creative, and seems to make parenthood of young kids look EASY!!!! Go AGGIES!!!!! Talk about attitude and gratitude when you read her story!
Ginny (and hubby Matt - haha sisterhood) are amazing people. Their 1st blog and video "99 Balloons" was forwarded to me and I became a follower LONG before they were on Oprah late last year (the video was on Oprah , and she cried as all do in amazement - the end of her show's clip "the child who touched almost a million people" shows her tears and Celine Dion's). This mom and dad have been through something unimaginable and the grace they showed moves me to tears EVERY time I watch in GRATITUDE. What an example of marriage, and focus on life too! I also hug my girls more and appreciate life. Their current blog is great too (click on Ginny's name). Yep, a guy is also getting the Sisterhood Award LOL!!! Haha Matt!
Brea is a truly lovely and gentle, spirit. I love how her family updates are mixed with gratitude, positive attitude, and warmth! Her family is sooooo cute!!!
Sandi is a dear person who works so hard!!! She updates when she can, but she too is a person of gratitude and determined attitude with all she has going on!
Jenny is one of the 1st blogs I ever was led to. When I was pregnant with Lovely, I was introduced to her story, and her older daughter, Baby Allie. In Jenny's 1st blog, she wrote candidly of their struggle, Allie's fight, the highs, lows, and realism of their journey. I ended every day reading. She, Allie, and Andrew are inspirations. She is real, honest, and I appreciate her attitude, honesty, and her gratitude for her family and non profit work. She's also witty!!! I love her new blog, Charity Mom, and her updates on work, family, and all the hectic details of life with passion!
Nathan and his lovely wife Tricia are also VERY deserving of this blog award! I don't know them personally, but if any guy can pull off a sisterhood award, than he's our man!!! He writes with complete gratitude and great attitude! He shares pics, funny stories, faith and inspiration, fish tacos lol....and his whole family seems fantastic. His marriage, his Tricia, their daughter...all inspirations! Tricia updates her blog when she can, and she can render anyone speechless with her words.

This does seem like a chain letter, but still...a cool way to "meet" other neat bloggers out there of all walks of life. And, making this list and descriptions a cool way to take breaks from laundry! I'm trying to make a 4th "small success" lol!!!!

Until we blog again....much love!

Day 13

Wow! Is there ever a day I don't get something from one, or all, of these meditations?

Fast: Remember the first time you had a moment alone with your first child. What did you promise him? Do that. Be that.

Pray: Begin a gratitude journal. At the end of the day, jot down five things for which you are grateful. Think upon these things.

Give: We can only expect what we inspect. For every task you assign today, follow through and before it’s truly finished ensure that there is praise from you.

~ taken from www.faithandfamilylive.com

Have a wonderful day!!! Try to feel the blessings....they are there - even with fevers, coughing, hacking, and my laundry piling up and my dishes collecting in the sink :) Take care!

Lent Day 12 and 2 others I've missed! *Edited*

I know, I know...where are the other days? I'm missing some. I fell away from checking the site everyday as it got busy in my home and I cut back my online time in an attempt to "fast", but I just checked and liked today's message. I'll TRY this for tomorrow, but it would really be a challenge for me personally with sick little ones and looking for inspiration and connection "out there"- but I can try. I just thought it's sentiments were great to read, especially the "GIVE" one!!

Fast: No noise today. Turn off the TV, the radio, the iPod. Find God in the silence.

Pray: Make five minutes in the morning, at midday and in the evening to be still, silent, and alone, only asking God to infuse your soul with His will.

Give: Pay particular unsolicited attention to your least demanding child today.

I'll try and catch up the other days and add them below later this evening as I wind down and get sleepy. I JUST got everyone to bed!!! And, I can cut and paste better than really making a real updated post. That takes brain cells HAHAHAH!

Edited!! Here are the others. I love Day 11's!!

Day 11:

Fast: Don’t cut corners. Even if no one will know, complete today’s work thoroughly.

Pray: Light a candle. Every time you pass that candle today, offer a prayer of thanks. Don’t ask for anything. Just thank Him.

Give: Touch is a powerful thing. Make an effort today to touch your children: a hug, a shoulder rub, a tousled head — especially the bigger ones.

Day 10:

Fast: Your family gets first dibs on your time and attention. Don’t rob your family of yourself in order to impress others. That’s not impressive.

Pray: Give your troubles to God who is infinitely powerful and can transform them.

Give: Be Christ to your family today. Feed their minds. Fill their hearts.